FRENCHMAN LAKE FLY FISHING

Frenchman Lake Guided Fishing Trips with Baiocchi’s Troutfitters

About Fly Fishing Frenchman Lake

Frenchman Lake is similar to Lake Davis in having fertile flats, and drop offs into submerged creek channels that offer prime transition zones for trout habitat. Though Frenchman’s is a bit smaller and deeper than its big sister Lake Davis, It’s known for big number fish days during the spring and fall when prime conditions exist. The land surrounding the lake is unique with rocky outcroppings and conifer forests that transitions into the high desert plateau. There are three campgrounds, two boat launches, and numerous access areas to fish from. This stillwater is a favorite with fly anglers from the Reno area, and Northern California in search of a novel stillwater experience. Aquatic insects thrive at Frenchman’s, the most prolific being chironomids followed by callibaetis mayflies, and freshwater snails. Red Shiner minnows also provide an important food source during the fall. A fly angler only has to visit this special lake once before realizing the grand potential for great fly fishing.

Autumn is a glorious time to be at Frenchman Lake, Little Last Chance creek canyon downstream of the dam begins to glow as the willow and cottonwood leaves turn colors. Powerful Eagle Lake strain rainbows come into shallow water all day long and feed aggressively before the snows of winter arrive. During this time, the crowds thin out, and only the most hardy fly anglers can be found roaming the shoreline, or float tubing through the lanes. Frenchman’s Lake ices up a little later than Lake Davis, and Jon has had some of his best days during the early part of December. If you’re going to travel to Lake Davis to fish, it’s worth the extra time to make the trek east, and ply the waters of Frenchman Lake.

Check out my Resources page for places to stay, eat, and play during your Plumas County area fly fishing trips

Frenchman Lake Current Fishing Reports

Kudos

“Jon Baiocchi is the ‘fish whisperer’. He taught me everything about fly fishing…reading the water, fly placement, what to use…you name it. His flies are like fish candy. If you go fishing with Jon you will definitely be pleased”